Previously The Best of Lake Garda
Lake Garda has long attracted artists, poets, politicians, and royalty to its glittering shores – and for good reason. Located in the leafy north and fringed by the mighty Dolomites, it’s possibly the most beautiful of all the Italian Lakes. Let this walking holiday introduce you to Garda’s green hills, vineyards, and characterful collection of lakefront towns and villages. Highlights include hiking on Monte Baldo, and enjoying a boat trip across to Malcesine – a medieval town clinging to the rocks on the lake’s eastern shore.
What you’ll love
- Exploring the lunar landscape of the Marocche nature reserve
- Soaking up the 360-degree views on the Monte Baldo cable car
- Walking the old Ponale Road from Riva del Garda to the Ledro Valley
- Visiting the medieval village of Canale, an artist’s haven
- Admiring the views of Lake Garda from Monte Bestone
What’s included
- Return flights from London Gatwick, including baggage and transfers (flights available from other airports - price may vary)
- A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
- HF Holidays Tour Manager
- 7 nights' accommodation in Limone
- 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
- All in-destination transport
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
Gallery
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Welcome to Hotel Cristina Limone. Unpack and settle in.
Option 1 - Torbole and the Marocche
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Total ascent: 1,180 feet (360m)
In summary: We’ll have the village of Torbole in our sights as we cruise to the northern shores of Lake Garda. Once we’re on dry land, a Roman road will lead us to hillside Nago and Parco delle Busatte before we reach the boulder-strewn Marocche, a lunar-like landscape that’s now a nature reserve.
Metal walkways and steps allow us to cross deep gorges, including the aptly named Salto della Capra (Goat Leap). We’ll zig-zag our way back to the lakeside road where there’s a bus that can take us the short distance back to Torbole for a post-walk drink while we await the ferry.
Option 2 - Marmitte dei Giganti and the Marocche
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Total ascent: 1,575ft (480m)
In summary: The karst-laden landscape known as Marmitte dei Giganti (Giant Pots) is just as the name suggests – massive crevasses give way to pools, canyons, and caves that make for jaw-dropping walking. We’ll also take in the ruins of the 13th-century Castel Penede before we head to the Marocche, just like the option one walk.
Option 1 - Ledro Valley to Biacesa
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Total ascent: 1,800 feet (550m)
In summary: We’ll walk the old Ponale Road, which winds its way from Riva del Garda via numerous small tunnels and a canyon to Ledro Valley. On the way, you’ll spot WWI fortifications and the Ponale waterfall before we stop to take it all in on a terrace high above Lake Garda. You’ll see all the way down to Torbole, Riva, and Malcesine, nestled beneath Monte Baldo.
We’ll continue to the small mountain village of Biacesa where a coach will take us to Lake Ledro. You can choose between visiting the museum here, dedicated to the Bronze Age communities, or enjoying a wander around the pretty lake shore.
Option 2 - Ledro Valley to Biacesa and Lake Ledro on foot
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Total ascent: 2,500 feet (790m)
In summary: We’ll take the same route as option one, instead, we’ll continue to Lake Ledro on foot from Biacesa.
Option 1 - Monte Baldo cable car
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Total ascent: 1100 feet (360m)
In summary: We’ll reach pretty Malcesine by boat from where we’ll board the panoramic cable car that’ll take us up Monte Baldo. It gently rotates as it climbs, too, giving you 360-degree views over the lake and surrounding mountains.
Once we arrive at the top station, located 1,780m above sea level, we’ll set off along a winding mule track to a mountain refuge, which makes a great coffee stop thanks to far-reaching views down to the lake. Wooded tracks then lead us back to the station to catch the cable car back down to Malcesine. Stroll the town’s streets and sip a coffee by the lake before we return by boat to Limone.
Option 2 - Monte Baldo cable car and Ventrar path
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Total ascent: 1,700 feet (520m)
In summary: Like option one, we’ll take the cable car to the top of Monte Baldo before setting off on a circular loop along the Ventrar path, which rewards with wow-worthy views over the Alto Gara region.
You’ll have a free day to explore the area around Lake Garda as you please, or simply relax at the hotel.
Limone sul Garda – the lakeside town where we’re staying is well worth further exploration. The waterfront restaurants offer typical dishes with stop-and-stare views while its cobbled streets lead you to historic delights like the Church of San Benedetto Abate and San Rocco. There’s also the open-air museum, Limonaia del Castel, an 18th century lemon house.
Garda Cycle Path – fringing the entire shore of Lake Garda, you can walk or cycle your way between towns.
Lake Garda’s beaches tempt with azure waters and mountain views, especially those around Limone sul Garda. Pebble beaches like Grostol, Fonte Torrente San Giovanni, and Cola provide an idyllic place to relax.
Verona – you’re within easy reach of UNESCO-listed Verona from Lake Garda. Visit the Roman amphitheater and take in the views from the postcard-worthy bridges over the Adige River.
Riva del Garda – a day trip to another of Lake Garda’s gems, Riva del Garda, tempts with impossibly scenic mountain and lake views thanks to its location at the end of the lake. A stroll around the historic centre will lead you to its medieval fortress and Torre Apponale.
Option 1 - Ballino Pass to Tenno Castle
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Total ascent: 490 feet (150m)
Total Descent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: A coach will take us to the Ballino Pass from where we’ll begin our hike along ancient mule tracks. Our first stop will be Lake Tenno with its crystalline waters, then Canale, a picturesque medieval village that’s listed as one of Italy’s most beautiful. We’ll wind up the walk at Tenno Castle where the coach will take us back.
Option 2 - Canale - Rifugio San Pietro - Tenno
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Total ascent: 1,650 feet (500m)
In summary: We’ll begin at Lake Tenno, heading up to the village of Canale. Following a steep forest path we’ll reach Rifugio San Pietro, situated in the midst of a meadow with views over upper Garda. We’ll head back down to Tenno to join the rest of the group.
Option 1 - Val di Bono - Vesio - Pieve
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)
Total descent: 1,350 feet (410m)
In summary: Once we reach the Val di Bondo nature reserve, created when a glacial lake dried up, we’ll begin walking to the village of Vesio, where we’ll take a break with views down to Brasa valley. We’ll descend to Pieve through delightful countryside and picturesque hamlets to finish the week enjoying fantastic views with our refreshments.
Option 2 - Voltino - Monte Bestone - Pieve
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Total ascent: 1,450 feet (440m)
Total descent: 1,950 feet (590m)
In summary: From Voltino we’ll walk through the pedestrianised old village before heading uphill to the highest viewpoint of the week, Monte Bestone. From here, you’ll be able to admire upper Lake Garda in all its splendour. We’ll then head to Pieve where we’ll meet up with the rest of the group for a celebratory drink.
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Welcome to Hotel Cristina Limone. Unpack and settle in.
Option 1 - Monte Brione
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Total ascent: 990ft (300m)
In summary: We’ll have the village of Torbole in our sights as we cruise to the northern shores of Lake Garda. Leaving the town behind us, we’ll head up to the terraced olive groves of the Brione Nature Reserve. Our path continues through the woods for panoramic views of Lake Garda before slipping back to Torbole.
Option 2 - The Busatte-Tempesta Trail
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Total ascent: 1,575ft (480m)
In summary: From Torbole, we’ll climb to Nago along the picturesque Roman road to Busatte Park and enter the boulder-strewn landscape of the Marocche. Metal walkways and steps allow us to cross deep gorges, including the aptly named Salto della Capra (Goat Leap). We’ll zig-zag our way back to the lakeside road where there’s a bus that can take us the short distance back to Torbole for a post-walk drink while we await the ferry.
Option 1 - Along the San Giovanni stream
Distance: 3.7 miles (6km)
Total Ascent: 820ft (250m)
In summary: Starting from our hotel, we’ll walk to Limone and along the picturesque lakeside promenade before following the course of the San Giovanni stream to panoramic viewpoints. There will be time to explore the old town of Limone sul Garda.
Option 2 - Old Limone and beyond
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Total Ascent: 820ft (250m)
Option 1 - Monte Baldo cable car
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Total ascent: 1100 feet (360m)
In summary: We’ll reach pretty Malcesine by boat from where we’ll board the panoramic cable car that’ll take us up Monte Baldo. It gently rotates as it climbs, too, giving you 360-degree views over the lake and surrounding mountains.
Once we arrive at the top station, located 1,780m above sea level, we’ll set off along a winding mule track to a mountain refuge, which makes a great coffee stop thanks to far-reaching views down to the lake. Wooded tracks then lead us back to the station to catch the cable car back down to Malcesine. Stroll the town’s streets and sip a coffee by the lake before we return by boat to Limone.
Option 2 - Monte Baldo cable car and Ventrar path
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Total ascent: 1,700 feet (520m)
In summary: Like option one, we’ll take the cable car to the top of Monte Baldo before setting off on a circular loop along the Ventrar path, which rewards with wow-worthy views over the Alto Gara region.
You’ll have a free day to explore the area around Lake Garda as you please, or simply relax at the hotel.
Limone sul Garda – the lakeside town where we’re staying is well worth further exploration. The waterfront restaurants offer typical dishes with stop-and-stare views while its cobbled streets lead you to historic delights like the Church of San Benedetto Abate and San Rocco. There’s also the open-air museum, Limonaia del Castel, an 18th century lemon house.
Garda Cycle Path – fringing the entire shore of Lake Garda, you can walk or cycle your way between towns.
Lake Garda’s beaches tempt with azure waters and mountain views, especially those around Limone sul Garda. Pebble beaches like Grostol, Fonte Torrente San Giovanni, and Cola provide an idyllic place to relax.
Verona – you’re within easy reach of UNESCO-listed Verona from Lake Garda. Visit the Roman amphitheater and take in the views from the postcard-worthy bridges over the Adige River.
Riva del Garda – a day trip to another of Lake Garda’s gems, Riva del Garda, tempts with impossibly scenic mountain and lake views thanks to its location at the end of the lake. A stroll around the historic centre will lead you to its medieval fortress and Torre Apponale.
Option 1 - Ballino Pass to Tenno Castle
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Total ascent: 490 feet (150m)
Total Descent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: A coach will take us to the Ballino Pass from where we’ll begin our hike along ancient mule tracks. Our first stop will be Lake Tenno with its crystalline waters, then Canale, a picturesque medieval village that’s listed as one of Italy’s most beautiful. We’ll wind up the walk at Tenno Castle where the coach will take us back.
Option 2 - Canale - Rifugio San Pietro - Tenno
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Total ascent: 1,650 feet (500m)
In summary: We’ll begin at Lake Tenno, heading up to the village of Canale. Following a steep forest path we’ll reach Rifugio San Pietro, situated in the midst of a meadow with views over upper Garda. We’ll head back down to Tenno to join the rest of the group.
Option 1 - Ledro Valley to Biacesa
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Total ascent: 1,800 feet (550m)
In summary: We’ll walk the old Ponale Road, which winds its way from Riva del Garda via numerous small tunnels and a canyon to Ledro Valley. On the way, you’ll spot WWI fortifications and the Ponale waterfall before we stop to take it all in on a terrace high above Lake Garda. You’ll see all the way down to Torbole, Riva, and Malcesine, nestled beneath Monte Baldo.
We’ll continue to the small mountain village of Biacesa where a coach will take us to Lake Ledro. You can choose between visiting the museum here, dedicated to the Bronze Age communities, or enjoying a wander around the pretty lake shore.
Option 2 - Ledro Valley to Biacesa and Lake Ledro on foot
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Total ascent: 2,500 feet (790m)
In summary: We’ll take the same route as option one, instead, we’ll continue to Lake Ledro on foot from Biacesa.
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Hotel Cristina Limone - Lake Garda
A 15-minute walk from the centre of Limone Sul Garda is our hotel for the week, the 3-star Hotel Cristina Limone. One of its many highlights is a commanding hilltop location, affording you wraparound panoramic views down to Lake Garda. Choose between two swimming pools to relax by at the end of a day’s walking as well as two bars, and three restaurants. There’s also a shuttle service to Limone if you don’t feel like walking into town (for an extra charge).
Essential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
If you choose land only, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements, including your flights and airport transfers at your destination. Any flights booked independently will also not be covered by our ATOL license.
Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 | ||||||||
16 Apr - 23 Apr 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary 2025 Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,704 Double from £1,499 pp |
from £1,499 pp |
from £1,704 |
Trip Notes
|
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10 May - 17 May 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary 2025 Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £1,804 Double from £1,599 pp |
from £1,599 pp |
from £1,804 |
Trip Notes
|
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20 Sep - 27 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary 2025 Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,804 Double from £1,599 pp |
from £1,599 pp |
from £1,804 |
Trip Notes
|
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27 Sep - 04 Oct 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary 2025 Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,804 Double from £1,599 pp |
from £1,599 pp |
from £1,804 |
Trip Notes
|
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04 Oct - 11 Oct 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary 2025 Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,754 Double from £1,549 pp |
from £1,549 pp |
from £1,754 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now |
Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 | ||||||||
16 Apr - 23 Apr 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary 2025 Single from £1,604 Double from £1,399 pp |
from £1,399 pp |
from £1,604 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
10 May - 17 May 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary 2025 Single from £1,704 Double from £1,499 pp |
from £1,499 pp |
from £1,704 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
20 Sep - 27 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary 2025 Single from £1,704 Double from £1,499 pp |
from £1,499 pp |
from £1,704 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
27 Sep - 04 Oct 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary 2025 Single from £1,704 Double from £1,499 pp |
from £1,499 pp |
from £1,704 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
04 Oct - 11 Oct 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary 2025 Single from £1,654 Double from £1,449 pp |
from £1,449 pp |
from £1,654 |
Trip Notes
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Book Now |
Important information
- With flight holidays: Price includes return flights to Milan, hold baggage and airport transfers.
- Independent travellers can join our airport transfers from Verona or Milan Linate Airport (10 May - 17 May 2025 only) - please contact us for prices
*If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, please ensure you’ve selected a land-only option before proceeding to book.
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